If we were talking about a fully-fit and in-form Stuart Fielden I'm sure everyone would agree with you. But we're talking about a Stuart Fielden that is recovering from major knee surgery and hasn't played rugby since the middle of February. Too big a gamble to play him in such a big game, especially when we've got a four fit and available props to pick from already. An unnecessary risk

Lima
Prescott
Mossop
Coley

Is the sensible pick with Hock on bench.

Depends if Prescotts fully fit imo, Cross didnt put a foot wrong on Friday. Not a game to be throwing Fielden in to after a long term injury, I'd be tempted to have him on the bench against Hull or even leave it til either Salford or Bradford.

I wouldn't risk either Prescott or Fielden for this one, not when they're both coming back from injury.
Cross was impressive v Wakey, and we know the other 3 won't let us down.

Lima, Coley, Cross & Mossop for me.

Cross was ok, but to say he didn't put a foot wrong isn't exactly true. He was rushing out the line looking for big tackles on a few occasions and completely missed. That's not good. Perhaps he was just trying to impress with his determination but it's not a great way to win a place in the side against a team which would have a field day if he did that against them. If he had defended sensibly I wouldn't have any worries with him being in the side.
As it stands if it's Prescott or Cross then I'd say Prescott is a stronger choice. He gets involved in fewer of the 3 man tackles and tends to get back into the area behind the ruck very early. That could be useful in trying to negate any gaps in the middle of the field. He's the best ball handler out of all the props (another attacking threat is always useful) and he's had a few weeks off so should be raring to go (just like Coley against Saints and he was a beast).

Agree.
If Fielden was going to be ready for this game he would have had at least 30 mins last week in either the U20's or first team.

Codology.

+1.... This is for the benefit of the squad... "Play well, cause these guys are breathing down your necks"

Spot on. That is a class front row and even better when you add Hoffman, Hansen, Hock and Lockers to the pack. Unbelievable. We have looked light in the pack in the last 2 games against wire, no excuse this time.

I agree with Mr Geoff.

Gaz is chomping at the bit too! Interesting bit at the bottom about the coaches position.[urlhttp://www.wigantoday.net/sport/wigan-warriors/right_time_for_gaz_1_3594069[/url

GARETH Hock admits the first hat-trick of his career came at the perfect time as he turns his attentions to the Challenge Cup.

The second-rower marked his first starting appearance since his doping ban with a treble against Wakefield last Friday night in a comfortable 48-6 victory.

And Hock is hoping his scoring feat did enough to cement him a position in the side against Warrington this Saturday as Michael Maguire prepares to welcome back a string of senior players to his side.

Although Chris Tuson drops out of the 17 that overcame the Wildcats due to a knee injury, his loss is more than off-set by the addition of five stars to the squad.

Ryan Hoffman, Thomas Leuluai and Joel Tomkins were all rested last week, while Stuart Fielden and Paul Prescott are back in contention after injury lay-offs.

And with three of those players in direct competition with Hock for a place – second-rower Hoffman and props Fielden and Prescott – he admits he was glad to get over for a hat-trick.

He said: “There are a lot of the boys back this week so it’s a fight for positions, which is good.

“I was glad I played a few minutes last Friday because I’ve not had too much game-time recently, and it was nice to get the tries – it got the adrenaline going.

“It’s a massive game against Warrington and hopefully I get in. Fingers crossed last week’s performance will keep me in.” Saturday’s game is a sell-out and the game is live on BBC, kick-off 4.30pm.

Wigan have allowed Castleford to field their on-loan player Ben Davies in their Cup quarter-final against Huddersfield. Davies scored a try for the Tigers last Saturday.

Meanwhile, chairman Ian Lenagan has refused to clarify the ongoing uncertainty over the coaching position at Wigan.

The seemingly inevitable appointment of assistant Shaun Wane as Maguire’s successor has dragged on for months, with no official confirmation from the club.

Yesterday the Warriors ran adverts in the rugby league trade press seeking an assistant coach – which appeared to suggest Wane’s appointment as head coach might be imminent.

However, the adverts were worded that they were seeking an “additional assistant coach”, which only muddied the waters further, particularly as it is unclear whether half-back Paul Deacon will retire this year and take up a coaching position or play on another 12 months.

Though Lenagan would not be drawn on the issue, sources at the club say Wane remains the front-runner to take charge in 2012 but there is unlikely to be any announcement soon.

Madge has said that Prescott is fit again.

Not a good idea, great that he is apparently fit & ready to play again but would be too much of a risk to play in a game like this

Fielden or Prescott?

Last week it was a case of Cross being signed due to all the injuries in Wigan's front row!

Well we were going the information that Fielden and Prescott were both weeks away from returning, which is what was being said before Cross signed

The process to sign Cross, including applying for a work permit started before Prescott was injured.

Pack of

Coley
Leuluai
Mossop
Hoffman
Hansen
Lockers

Hock
Cross
McIllorum
Lima

play Fielden in the 20s and then against hull the week after

Fielden can't be risked in such a big game after so long out and the nature of Prescotts injury would make me inclined to leave him out aswell. I'd be worried with Prescott that his hamstring could go again if he's been rushed back and playing with 16 won't be easy in a game like this.

Cross to take the 4th props shirt for me and Hock could always move in there if needs be.

x2

I agree.

no way will stu play

will he even play next week?

mossop, coley, lima, prescott.............barring injuries........which can can madge "drop" to accomodate him?
for me.......give Mossop a game rest.........others have all had one through injury/suspension
nice headache for the coach

Cross will play. I don't think Madge will risk Prescott this week, unless he goes for a big set and uses Mossop in the second row.

He shouldn't play, but it's good to see him regaining his fitness again.

Give Lima and Mossop a rest against hull if we beat wire. A pack of

4 props of coley,fielden,cross and preccy highlights our strength in depth!

I think it would also be worth giving Eamon a run out for the 1st team at some stage, possibly the Salford game. Think he deserves a chance to show he's worth another contract after working hard to get over such a difficult injury problem.

Yes, I agree.